Brightsolid can complete purchase of Friends Reunited

Laura Carstensen, who chaired the Competition Commission inquiry into the sale, said it (the sale) was unlikely to adversely affect internet consumers.

She said there was little overlap between the activities of the two companies, while the merged entity would still not match the size of the market leader.

Ms Carstensen said: "After the merger another website, Ancestry.co.uk, will remain the largest supplier in this market and its presence, along with potential entry by new suppliers and the alternatives provided by free sites, will ensure that the merged company faces strong competition - preventing it from raising prices or worsening the service it provides.

"In fact, the merger could potentially benefit amateur family historians as the merged company will be better equipped to compete directly with Ancestry.co.uk, leading to more innovation and improvements in the market."

The full commission report into its findings can be found here. The summary states the following:

An inquiry group of CC members (the Group) was appointed to consider this reference and has made the following provisional findings on the statutory questions it has to decide pursuant to section 36(1) of the Act:

(a) arrangements are in progress or contemplation which, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation; and

(b) the creation of that situation may not be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the UK for online genealogical services.